Holiday Weight Loss Success is Possible with Planning

Gaining weight over the holidays is not inevitable--even if you have done it every year. You can lose weight with a little planning.

The holidays are stressful and many of us who have struggled with our weight don't deal well with stress...or other emotions either. Our way of handling emotions that make us uncomfortable is to eat unconsciously.

The good news is by making some conscious choices and developing a plan you can change your patterns and have a healthy and happy holiday season this year.

Start by listing some things you can do when you feel like downing the punch bowl or eating the entire tray of Christmas cookies (tray and all!) Take a few minutes and write down various things you can do that will work for different emotions, times, circumstances.

You might be able to get out some frustration by throwing snowballs at a tree...but if you live in Tucson that probably won't work for you! Enlist a supportive friend (or several) whom you can call when your mother-in-law is driving you nuts. Go for a quick walk to clear your head when the walls at the office party are closing in...you get the idea.

If you need any tools, be sure to have them handy...calling your friend will be easier if you don't leave the cell phone on the kitchen counter! Walking around the block is more comfy in tennies then heels.

Remember how you have felt when you have overeaten and stuffed down your feelings in the past. The positive feelings don't last long...they are soon replaced with remorse and guilt...so give yourself permission to enjoy some of the treats while you consciously eat this holiday.

Make your plan. Stick to it. And you will have weight loss success this holiday season. And what a wonderful gift that will be!